The biggest trend among all the recent food fads is the Keto diet.This is an extremely low-carb, high-fat diet. Yep, that’s right, this diet thatactually pushes you to eat more fat. We’ll break down what exactly thisdiet is, what it does to your body, and starter tips if you do decide to hop onthe bandwagon.
The Burning Question: Why Fat?
The whole goal of the keto diet is for your body to enter ketosis.This is a metabolic process where the body resorts to burning ketones insteadof sugar because it doesn’t have enough energy from glucose. Ketones are asource of energy formed by the body when there is a lack of carbohydrates andglucose in the body. When following the diet correctly and consistently, yourbody should experience fat and weight loss, promoted brain function, reducedblood sugar and insulin levels, and increased levels of ‘good’ cholesterol(high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
What to Expect When you Stick With Keto:
Stabilized Energy Levels
This low-carb focused diet curbs many of the energy troughs andspikes that occur with other diets, the keto diet provides a stable, consistentsource of energy. One reason for this is, as you enter ketosis your bodybecomes very efficient by sustainably storing and burning fat for energy. You’realso giving up sugary foods which can lead to an energy spike that results in acrash.
Boosted Brain Power
Trailing off the stabilized energy levels, your brain now has a steady supply of fuel from ketones. Healthy fats + your brain are a very compatible couple. The keto diet is focused on these healthy fats which sharpen and improve cognitive function.
Charlie Horses
Muscle cramps can become more frequent after adopting the ketodiet. The diet can cause an imbalance of potassium, magnesium, and sodium canlead to cramping. It’s important to stay hydrated and consider implementingmagnesium or Vitamin E supplements.
Keto Flu
The keto flu is common for people just starting the diet. This isbasically your body’s withdrawal symptoms from limiting carbohydrates andglucose, it’s primary fuel source. Nausea, vomiting, headaches, cramps,diarrhea can all accompany the keto flu. Make sure to take it easy, getsufficient amounts of sleep and stay hydrated. If you can’t kick the keto flualtogether, the diet may not be the best choice for you.
Quick Tips for Starting Keto:
- Use CBD Oil. With this drastic change in your diet, this is a great way to maintain homeostasis to many of your body’s internal systems. It will also help you regulate your sleeping patterns. Resilience CBD oils also contain MCT oil. This healthy fatty acid is a keto dieter’s best friend.
- Test your ketone levels and count your carbs
- Regulate your diet in order to successfully achieve ketosis. You can test your urine, blood, or breathe for your body’s ketone levels. There are kits online ranging from $10 - >$100s, depending on how serious you want to get.
- Prepare before going out to eat. While this may seem like a high maintenance diet, any meal can become a keto meal with a little imagination. Check the dinner menu before your date so you have a plan.
Overall, the keto diet definitely isn’t for everyone, but it hassome awesome benefits that have led it to be the most popular diet of the pasttwo years.
